Parents battling to afford school uniforms for their children were on Sunday relieved by a gesture by the WPT Ndibongo Memorial Church, under the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

The WPT Ndibongo Memorial Church handed over school uniforms to 12 underprivileged pupils from Dunoon, Philippi and Nyanga. Parents sang and danced with joy as they opened the kits donated to them.

Before dishing out the uniforms, Noluntu Mda, convener of the WPT Ndibongo Memorial Education Committee, said she was proud that the church has finally made the donation.

“This is a culmination of many meetings that we had to do something about those who are less fortunate. The day has finally come to give them something to smile about,” she said.

Parents who spoke to Vukani welcomed the gesture and said the children had uniforms but they were now old.

Anne Mfazwe, grandmother of Grade 3 pupil Ande Mgqintsa, could not hide her excitement when she approached Vukani to speak on behalf of parents.

“This is a special day for us all. I am full of joy and I am over the moon.

“My child never had anything to wear at school but look at him now. I am excited. I am relieved of stress,” she said.

Ms Mfazwe said she was shocked when she was told the her grandchild was among those selected to receive a uniform.

She said she could not believe it because she was still thinking of how she was going to buy a uniform.

Another parent, Sylvia Sijobo said the day will be cherished for years to come. “I am over excited. I will to remember this day. This is unbelievable. When I was told I could only nod in confusion. I thank the church and I am so grateful that they saw our plight. This is not for me to say, but I believe what they have done has been noticed in heavens,” she said.

The Sunday school teacher, Nondumiso Ndlumbini commended the work of members of the church and said she hoped for more assistance to the needy families.

She said she was happy that when they put out a proposal to help underprivileged children, the church responded positively.

“I am grateful for them to finally get new things. Everyone is welcome to donate anything that will be useful to the children. For some the church has bought everything from head to toe while some needed shoes and a few items. I am really happy because these kids will no longer suffer by having to go all the way to school without a proper uniform. This is good start of the year for them,” she said.

The WPT Ndibongo Memorial Church said it will continue donating uniforms to children for as long as people donate to it them. It said it was happy that children will go to school with dignity.